The adventure is officially underway!

Day one saw Andy and Josh set off from St Bees on the first leg of their 197-mile Coast to Coast challenge, heading for a campsite near Ennerdale Bridge—roughly 15 miles away and, thankfully, all in the right direction.

After somehow surviving a night in an Airbnb that appeared to be hosting the Karaoke World Championships, the lads fuelled up with a hearty breakfast at a local cafe before hitting the trail.

Kirsty and Louise joined them for the first couple of miles, helping to ease them into the walk before sending them off on what can only be described as a 15-day lads’ holiday—albeit one involving sore feet, questionable hygiene, and backpacks so heavy they briefly considered whether carrying a grand piano might actually be easier.

Before leaving St Bees, the four of them took part in the Coast to Coast tradition of collecting a stone from the beach. The plan is to carry it all the way across England and throw it into the sea at Robin Hood’s Bay on Day 15. Andy and Josh also dipped their feet in the Irish Sea for good luck. Whether this will improve their walking ability remains to be seen.

The route offered some steep climbs but rewarded them with stunning views across the coastline. Those views were made even more impressive by the fact that the lads were hauling their entire lives on their backs, with tents, sleeping bags, cooking gear, and enough snacks to survive a small apocalypse.

There was also the small matter of crossing a field full of cows, which had Kirsty and Louise planning emergency escape routes. Andy calmly assured everyone that if they walked quietly, nothing would happen. Fortunately, he was right—although confidence levels dropped considerably whenever a cow looked in their direction.

As the miles ticked by, Louise and Josh took every opportunity to squeeze in a few final kisses at the kissing gates, much to Andy and Kirsty’s delight, no doubt.

The goodbyes finally came at St Bees Lighthouse, where Kirsty and Louise waved the lads off and left them to face the realities of camping, hiking, and each other’s company for the next two weeks.

The day ended successfully at Low Cock How Farm, where camp was set up, boots were removed, and the first of many nights under canvas began. Despite aching shoulders and the discovery that rucksacks seem to get heavier with every mile, spirits remained high.